- Academics
- Quick Links
2012 Cultural Institute weekend is July 19-22.
From “The Great Train Robbery” to “Stagecoach” and from “The Searchers” to “True Grit,” the Western film has defined our dreams of what America could or should or might have been. This course will explore the history of this truly American genre. Read more...
Learn from SMU’s resident expert on Georgia O’Keeffe, Randall Griffin. This course will preview highlights from his soon-to-be-published book, Georgia O’Keeffe, which offers a thorough view of the art and life of the artist. You will experience New Mexico as never before by seeing the landscape through the eyes of an art legend. Read more...
Learn why prominent historians say that the “New Mexico Territory was unequaled in the West” for political violence and assassinations during the late 19th century. This course will explore some of the reasons behind this social turbulence, focusing especially on the bitter competition over land and resources in northern New Mexico. Read more...
Learn to navigate the Taos art scene like a local. Discover how modern-day artists are inspired by artists of the past. Gain behind-the-scenes access to some of Taos’ most exclusive private in-home art and jewelry collections. Get up close and personal with paintings from the Taos Society of Artists, Taos Founders, Early Santa Fe and Taos Art Colonies as you visit world-renowned galleries and museums. Read more...
It once was reported that there were two great loves in J. Robert Oppenheimer’s life: physics and New Mexico. The two came together at Los Alamos during World War II when he helped assemble a secret community of brilliant scientists to usher in the atomic age. Read more...
Delve into the many ways that religion, spirituality and Native American culture interact. Learn how the Christian religion spread into New Mexico amid a wide range of spiritualities. How did the Native Americans respond? Was the spread of Christianity one of the causes of the Pueblo Revolt of 1680? Read more...
Join nationally acclaimed chef Chris Maher as he leads a hands-on culinary tour of France. You will learn how different foods from each region relate to one another and how they ultimately influence foods of the new world, Europe and the Americas. Read more...
If you prefer to create your own adventure, you may customize your weekend by selecting from the options below.
Golf (offered Friday and Saturday)
The most winning player in LPGA history, golf legend Kathy Whitworth will provide morning instruction and afternoon course play with coaching tips at the Taos Country Club.
Hiking (offered Friday only)
Located north of Taos and two miles southeast of Taos Ski Valley, Wheeler Peak is, at 13,161 feet, the highest peak in New Mexico. Enjoy a day of rigorous hiking amid the mountains of northern New Mexico led by Lynn Romejko Jacobs, SMU Associate Professor of Applied Physiology and Sport Management.
Photography (offered Friday and Saturday)
Spend the day with local photographer Joe Ciaglia focusing on camera techniques and the most beautiful landscapes in northern New Mexico. Bring your own camera and manual.
Hot Air Balloon Ride (offered Friday and Saturday)
Operated by Pueblo Balloons
Your breathtaking tour will depart at 5:30 a.m. and last 4.5 hours, returning at 10 a.m. You will fly down the Rio Grande Gorge following the Rio Grande River in what has been called “one of the 10 most beautiful balloon rides in the world.” Enjoy a complimentary champagne brunch at Rio Grande Park.
Whitewater Rafting (offered Friday and Saturday)
Operated by Far Flung Adventures
This half-day tour departs at 12:30 p.m. and lasts 3 hours.
For more information
Contact Allison Curran at taosci@smu.edu or call 214-768-TAOS (8267).
© Southern Methodist University, Dallas, Texas | Legal Disclosures | A-Z Site Index | Contact SMU
Share